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Northern Star

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The Student News Site of Northern Illinois University

Northern Star

The Student News Site of Northern Illinois University

Northern Star

A graphic depicts a blue and purple space background with 12 constellations spread out in a circle. The horoscopes for this week suggest resilience and an idle work week. (Northern Star File Photo)

Last full moon brings calm, Mars has other ideas

By Hannah Soukup, Assistant News Editor | January 28, 2024

The full moon in Leo on Thursday brought a newfound tranquility, or to some placements, a lack of excitement. The full moon might have brought new revelations, many of which were unexpected and much-needed. Fortunately for some and unfortunately for others,...

Zulauf Hall, the home of most offices for the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, stands in front of some trees. The Center for Nonprofit and NGO Studies hosted a hot cocoa event in Zulauf on Thursday. (Nick Glover | Northern Star)

Center for NNGO Studies hosts hot cocoa table

By Jonathan Shelby, Lifestyle Editor | January 28, 2024

DeKALB – The scent of hot cocoa immediately wafted through the air, and the sounds of cheerful conversation could be heard. Visitors were encouraged to choose from a variety of delectable sweets and treats to spice up their hot cocoa or enjoy on the...

TJ Hill, the regional director of Semester at Sea, sits at an informational desk at the Holmes Student Center on Thursday. Semester at Sea is a program that offers students a study abroad experience that visits many countries while taking classes on a cruise ship. (Sofia Didenko | Northern Star)

Study abroad cruise available for NIU students

By Sofia Didenko, Opinion Columnist | January 28, 2024

DeKALB – Students living on a floating campus navigate through homework as well as the ocean, reflecting on the iconic teen show “Suite Life on Deck.”  Anticipation of a far-away destination lingers as about 600 young travelers take on the open...

Whiskey-fueled laughs, D&D this weekend

Whiskey-fueled laughs, D&D this weekend

By Jonathan Shelby, Lifestyle Editor | January 25, 2024

Editor’s note: If you want your event featured in next week’s Weekend Roundup, email information to [email protected] Friday: Barrel of Laughs: 9 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. Whiskey Acres, 11504 Keslinger Road SEA Club Potluck: 6 p.m....

Works from within the “What is for Supper? What is a Meal?” exhibitions are displayed under low light Thursday in the NIU Art Museum within Altgeld Hall. The exhibitions explore a variety of food and eating habits. (Sam Dion | Northern Star)

Unity, well-being in a meal

By Jonathan Shelby, Lifestyle Editor | January 25, 2024

DeKALB – With the beginning of another semester, the NIU Art Museum is presenting three astounding new exhibits which explore food for well-being, socialization and sustainability, among other things.  Located on the first floor of Altgeld Hall,...

The Oscars trophy stands in front of red curtains. This year's Oscar Nominations were announced Tuesday. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

2024 Oscar nominations disappoint

By Lindsay Curtis, Copy Editor | January 24, 2024

The long-awaited nominations for the 96th Academy Awards were finally revealed by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on Tuesday. Like any other award show, this year’s nominations are filled with snubs and surprises, so here’s a list...

Ryan Gosling (from left), Margot Robbie and Greta Gerwig look at a screen on the set of "Barbie." Gosling has been receiving far more praise for his performance as Ken in the film, where Robbie and Gerwig are receiving less praise. (Jaap Buitendijk | Warner Bros. Pictures via AP)

The Oscars didn’t do ‘Ken-ough’

By Nick Glover, Lifestyle Editor | January 24, 2024

It’s Ken’s world, and we’re just living in it. Well, at least that’s what the award shows want us to think. Oscar nominations came out Tuesday, and, like always, they caused some stir in the film world.  Whether it be the Flamin’ Hot...

Two books by Sajni Patel, “The Knockout” and “My Sister’s Big Fat Indian Wedding,” sit upright on a desk. Patel’s newest book, “A Drop of Venom,” released last week. (Nick Glover | Northern Star)

‘A Drop Of Venom’ highlights female empowerment

By Caleb Johnson, Lifestyle Writer | January 23, 2024

An enchanting tale of tragedy, triumph and love entices readers as we enter a world of heroes, villains and magic.   Sajni Patel delivers a beautifully diverse and colorful story, dripping with female empowerment, in her latest novel "A Drop of Venom."  On...

Paintings hang on the walls of the Jack Olson Gallery for the "Screenic Paradigms" exhibition. The exhibition opened Monday and looks at how painting has been influenced by digital art. (Nick Glover | Northern Star)

Screenic Paradigms exhibit opens in Jack Olson Gallery

By Tamya Burch, Social Media Coordinator | January 23, 2024

The Screenic Paradigms exhibit showcases a trippy and psychedelic style of art with traditional forms of media to create a digital aesthetic.  The exhibit is curated by Ruth Lantz and features some of their own paintings alongside artists Su A Chae...

Junior special education majors Desiree Hancock (from left), Alix Sommers and Nicholas Hays talk as they walk past Cole Hall. The trio spent time discussing Arizona to help avoid thinking about the cold. (Nick Glover | Northern Star)

IN PICTURES: Cold weather fashion at NIU

By Nick Glover, Lifestyle Editor | January 22, 2024

As DeKalb’s cold wave comes to an end, NIU students are still bundled up to fight against frozen fingers.  Scarves, heavy coats and snow boots adorn those walking from class to class.  Here are some photos that show the fashion items students...

A photo illustration combines two album covers, The Smile's "Wall of Eyes" and Goth Babe's "Lola." These two records release Friday in both physical and digital media. (Mom + Pop Records/XL Recordings via AP)

The Smile to return with second album

By Nick Glover, Lifestyle Editor | January 22, 2024

Former Radiohead frontman Thom Yorke along with Jonny Greenwood, former Radiohead guitarist, and Tom Skinner, former Sons of Kemet drummer, combine into the indie hit The Smile.  After debuting in 2022, the trio has released another album, and with...

A graphic depicts a blue and purple space background with 12 constellations spread out in a circle. The horoscopes for this week suggest a shift of energy for all signs for the new year. (Joey Trella | Northern Star)

Don’t fear, the new year is here

By Hannah Soukup, Assistant News Editor | January 21, 2024

2023 was difficult, to say the least. Jobs seemed harder than usual, and romantic relationships went downhill quickly. Planetary placements were inconsistent, and many signs were burnt out by the time the year came to an end. Well, look no further because...